Manitowoc Lutheran volleyball coach Lacey Behnke, left, is part of what makes the 'Lancer family' literal as she makes up part of a coaching duo with her husband, girls basketball coach, Mike Behnke.(Photo: Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)Buy Photo

Plenty of times in sports, the term "family" is used to describe teams or organizations.

I never worry about it much because family can be defined in such a way that's universal and all-encompassing. But when it comes to Manitowoc Lutheran, and specifically the girls teams, it’s pretty darn literal.

The "Lancer family" is led, in part, by Mike and Lacey Behnke, the head coaches for girls basketball and volleyball, respectively. The couple also are assistant coaches for their spouse's sport, which makes it pretty simple to have a common theme and fundamentals in regard to what’s expected of the players.

Both volleyball and basketball had incredible seasons, reaching the sectional final in the former and state semifinals the latter.

Lacey Behnke was in the stands, though, and not on the sidelines for basketball, as she was pregnant with twin girls who were born roughly three weeks following the state tournament.

That’s not to say she wasn’t a fixture at games and practices with the couple's 2-year-old son in tow.

It’s hard to get more of a comparison to what the "Lancer family" means when a toddler is mimicking the drills his parents are demonstrating.

With all the success the girls had in fall and winter, spring was not going to be an exception.

The Lutheran softball team reached the WIAA Division 4 sectional final as the No. 4 seed, only losing at the very end to Weyauwega-Fremont, a team that reached the Division 3 final a season ago.

If that wasn’t enough, Lauren Griepentrog, a standout in volleyball and basketball, picked up a trio of top 10 finishes at state in the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and triple jump.

With so much success across the board this school year, finding a common thread might be as simple as looking at that word — family.

Following the loss in the sectional final just last week, Lutheran softball coach Matt Menges took time to thank the "Lancer family" for all their support over the course of the season and playoffs.

No matter the sport or gender of the athletes, the Manitowoc Lutheran faithful are usually out in droves to show their support.

Family is such a familiar thread in sports because individuals always work harder and will go the extra mile for their family, regardless of the situation.

Creating a familial bond within a program or school means everyone is playing for a higher purpose, which can mean better results. It’s impossible to know for sure if that’s the reason Lutheran had so much success in girls sports this season, but it certainly didn’t hurt. And watching the various teams progress through the playoffs, it was evident the bond of the "Lancer family" was genuine.

It’s hard to fake something that comes off as wholesome as a friendship between teammates or coaches.

Plus, with a whole slew of key members from this year’s teams coming back next school year, another special year could be in the works.

No matter what happens, though, the "Lancer family" will be there, win or lose.